Latest earthquakes near KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa today
Complete overview of the latest earthquakes near KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, updated every minute. Did you feel an earthquake today in KwaZulu-Natal? If an earthquake is happening right now near KwaZulu-Natal (also known as KwaZulu-Natali), it will show up within minutes.
KwaZulu-Natal Earthquake Statistics
Average
A total of 57 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or above have struck within 300 km (186 mi) of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in the past 10 years. This comes down to a yearly average of 5 earthquakes per year
A relatively large number of earthquakes occurred near KwaZulu-Natal in 2018. A total of 13 earthquakes (mag 4+) were detected within 300 km of KwaZulu-Natal that year. The strongest had a 4.6 magnitude.
Magnitude Distribution
The table below visualizes the distribution of all earthquakes that occurred within 300km of KwaZulu-Natal in the past 10 years. No earthquakes with a magnitude of 5 or above have occurred near KwaZulu-Natal during this time. Usually, higher magnitudes are less common than lower magnitudes. Small earthquakes with a magnitude below 4 on the Richter scale have been omitted from this overview.
| Magnitude | Earthquakes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Mag. 4 | 57 | 100.0% |
| Mag. 5 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 6 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 7 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 8 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 9 | 0 | 0.0% |
| Mag. 10 | 0 | 0.0% |
Strongest earthquakes near KwaZulu-Natal
The strongest recent earthquake of the past 10 years near KwaZulu-Natal occurred on Mar 1, 2019 06:56 local time (Africa/Johannesburg timezone). It had a magnitude of 4.9 and struck 268 kilometers (167 mi) north-west of Newcastle, at a depth of 5 km. Discover more strong earthquakes near KwaZulu-Natal in the list below.
A longer time ago, a MAG-6.8 earthquake struck on Dec 31, 1932 08:30, 120 kilometers (75 mi) north-west of Richards Bay. It is the strongest earthquake near KwaZulu-Natal in the past 125 years (Our data goes back to January 1st, 1900).
In the table below you will find the strongest earthquakes that occurred near KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in the past 10 years. You can use the tabs to find the heaviest historic earthquakes since the year 1900 or within a specific year or distance from KwaZulu-Natal.
Earthquakes by city in KwaZulu-Natal
Click the links below for earthquake reports for major places in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Use this regional KwaZulu-Natal earthquake report for earthquakes that were felt in smaller towns and cities in the region, including Dundee, Port Shepstone, KwaDukuza, eSikhaleni, Mondlo, Margate, Richmond, Howick, Empangeni, Mpophomeni, Kokstad, Scottburgh, Ulundi, eMkhomazi and Ballito.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions are commonly asked in relation to earthquakes occurring near KwaZulu-Natal.
When was the last earthquake in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa?
A 3.1 magnitude earthquake hit near KwaZulu-Natal on the afternoon of February 26, 2025 at 15:00 local time (Africa/Johannesburg). The center of this earthquake was located 289km north of Newcastle at a depth of 10km under land. Check the list on our website for any earthquakes occurring near KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa in the past hours.
What was the strongest earthquake near KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa?
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit near KwaZulu-Natal on the morning of December 31, 1932 at 08:30 local time (Africa/Johannesburg). The center of this earthquake was located 120km east-southeast of Richards Bay at a depth of 15km under water in the Indian Ocean. This is the strongest earthquake that occurred near KwaZulu-Natal since the year 1900.
How often do earthquakes occur near KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa?
In the past 10 years, 57 earthquakes with a magnitude of four or higher occurred within a 300 kilometer range from KwaZulu-Natal. This averages to 6 earthquakes yearly, or one earthquake every 64 days.
